Open Book with Jenna
Open Book with Jenna
TODAY, Jenna Bush Hager
On Open Book with Jenna, TODAY’s Jenna Bush Hager brings her signature openness to spirited conversations with celebrities, friends, authors and fellow book lovers. Each episode, her guests share candid stories about their lives and their sources of inspiration, while weighing in on the topics their fans are most passionate about. Join Jenna on her mission to connect people, create meaningful conversation and, of course, share reading recommendations. Everyone is welcome — because we're all open books here.
Tia Williams and Isaac Fitzgerald Reveal Their Favorite Summer Reads | Open Book with Jenna
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with Tia Williams and Isaac Fitzgerald for a fun-filled conversation about books, reading and the magic of a great summer read. They reveal their favorite beach reads, authors they always return to, books that deserve a movie or TV adaptation and the titles they can’t wait to read next.
Aug 20
48 min
Hoda Kotb on Life After TODAY, Embracing New Beginnings, and New Book ‘Jump and Find Joy’ (September 2025)
Jenna Bush Hager reunites with former TODAY co-anchor and friend, Hoda Kotb for a deeply moving conversation about embracing new life chapters, and the beauty of slowing down. Hoda opens up about her decision to leave TODAY, her new chapter focusing on family and her new venture Joy101. Plus, she shares her inspiration for her new book ‘Jump and Find Joy” and how she is finding joy in the everyday moments.
Aug 13
44 min
Alison Espach on ‘The Wedding People,’ Finding Humor in Grief and What’s Next
Jenna Bush Hager sits down with bestselling author Alison Espach to revisit her beloved novel The Wedding People, now in paperback. Alison opens up about the book’s unexpected success, finding humor in the midst of grief, her journey to becoming a novelist and how motherhood has shaped her life and writing. Plus, Alison shares some of her favorite books, and hints at the possibility of a The Wedding People sequel.
Aug 6
44 min
Jenny Jackson on 'The Shampoo Effect,' Friendship & Why Great Books Make Us Uncomfortable
Jenny Jackson joins Open Book with Jenna to discuss balancing life as a bestselling novelist and Editorial Director of Fiction at Knopf. She opens up about The Shampoo Effect, writing through self-doubt, creative ambition, and why the best stories spark conversation.
Jul 30
44 min
Virginia Evans on 'The Correspondent,' Jane Fonda & Why She Almost Quit Writing
Virginia Evans shares the emotional journey behind her bestselling debut, The Correspondent. In this heartfelt conversation with Jenna Bush Hager, she reflects on rejection, finding hope through storytelling, and why perseverance made this life-changing moment possible. Plus, she teases what's next—including the upcoming film adaptation starring Jane Fonda.
Jul 23
37 min
Elin Hilderbrand & Jennifer Garner on Friendship, 'The Five-Star Weekend' & Bringing Nantucket to Life
Jennifer Garner and bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand join Jenna Bush Hager to celebrate The Five-Star Weekend and its journey from beloved novel to Peacock series. They discuss their instant creative connection, the enduring power of female friendships, adapting books for the screen, and why Nantucket is a character all its own. Plus, Elin shares details about her next novel, and the trio swaps some of their favorite recent reads.
Jul 16
37 min
How Remarkably Bright Creatures Became a Netflix Movie
Author Shelby Van Pelt sits down with Jenna Bush Hager to celebrate the Netflix adaptation of Remarkably Bright Creatures. They discuss the magic of seeing Sally Field bring Tova to life, the challenge of adapting Marcellus the octopus for the screen, and the surprising journey from community writing classes to a worldwide bestseller.
Jul 9
37 min
Anna McCallie on Love, Life Changes and How Insomnia Inspired 'Abby Offsides'
Anna McCallie joins Jenna Bush Hager on Open Book to discuss her debut novel Abby Offsides, a charming romantic comedy set in the world of professional football. Anna opens up about moving to London, finding inspiration in unexpected places, navigating rejection on her path to publication, and creating a heroine readers can't help but root for. Plus, she shares how a bedtime story she told herself became the book everyone is talking about.
Jul 2
47 min
Kennedy Ryan on Motherhood, Finding Her Purpose at 40 and the Stories That Change Lives
Bestselling author Kennedy Ryan joins Jenna for a heartfelt conversation about finding her purpose later in life, writing romance novels that tackle real-world issues, and why every person deserves a love story filled with radical acceptance. Kennedy opens up about motherhood, faith, advocacy, her journey to becoming a bestselling author at 40, and the exciting adaptation of her beloved Skyland series for television. Plus, she shares how her readers have inspired her and how her books are helping readers feel seen, understood, and empowered. Listen to more episodes of Open Book with Jenna and subscribe for new conversations every week
Jun 25
35 min
Making Space with Hoda Kotb! New Season, New Guests & Life-Changing Conversations
Ready to take a deep breath and find some inspiration? A brand-new season of Making Space with Hoda Kotb is officially here. Every Wednesday, Hoda sits down for open, soul stirring conversations with people who have walked through fire and come out stronger. This season, she’s diving into what it really means to pivot, heal, and find your purpose. Expect raw, real-life wisdom on navigating big transitions and the unexpected moments of grace that connect us all. Featuring incredible guests like Mariska Hargitay, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Mark Nepo, Esther Perel, Laverne Cox, and many more. To follow now, just search ‘Making Space with Hoda Kotb’ wherever you’re listening. New episodes drop every Wednesday. swap.fm/l/mswhkfd
Jun 23
52 sec
Load more